Audit finds 2023 South Korea Jamboree chaos fuelled by false reporting insufficient preparation

SEOUL - A year and a half after launching an investigation into the chaotic collapse of the 2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree, South Korea’s state auditor concluded that false reporting by the organising committee and a supporting ministry significantly contributed to the event’s failure.

In a report released on April 10, the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea concluded that misleading updates from both the Jamboree organizing committee and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (Mogef)— the primary supervisory agency — hampered the government’s ability to step in and implement urgent corrective actions.

The international event, held in August 2023, was plagued by poor preparations and substandard operations. Participants from dozens of countries were met with severe heat, inadequate shelter and sanitation, and flooded camping grounds. These conditions forced several delegations to withdraw early, drawing international criticism.

According to the audit, the organizing committee was led by a former Mogef official lacking relevant expertise. Just 10 out of its 159 staff had experience with global events. The committee was found to have falsely reported the completion of infrastructure to the ministry, despite significant deficiencies in basic amenities, including toilets and medical facilities.

Instead of correcting the course, the ministry compounded the problem. Then-Minister Kim Hyun-sook allegedly received reports indicating missing shower and toilet installations and personally observed unprepared medical and administrative stations — yet went on to claim that all necessary facilities had been installed.

The BAI stated that this misleading briefing to the Cabinet eliminated what could have been the government’s final opportunity to implement corrective action before the event began.

The audit also noted that none of the core team positions responsible for the Jamboree were filled with Mogef officials, relying instead on staff seconded from local governments. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK